What are the guidelines for collaborating with other learners on coursework?

Nexford encourages peer discussion and mutual support as part of the learning experience. At the same time, all submitted work must be your own. Understanding where the line falls between acceptable collaboration and academic misconduct is essential.

What Is Encouraged

• Discussing course concepts - engage with peers about ideas, frameworks, and topics covered in your courses
• Sharing study resources - exchange helpful articles, materials, and study tips
• Offering feedback and encouragement - support your peers through challenges and share general insights from your learning experience

What Is Not Permitted

The following are violations of Nexford's Academic Honesty Policy and may result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the University:

• Collusion - working with another learner to share, co-write, or make coordinated revisions to an individual assignment, including disguising similarities between submissions
• Sharing completed work - providing your finished assignment to another learner, whether privately or by uploading it to a public or shared platform
• Submitting another learner's work - presenting someone else's assignment as your own, in whole or in part
• Self-plagiarism - resubmitting work you have previously submitted for academic credit without prior faculty approval
• Plagiarism - representing the words, ideas, or work of another person or source -- including AI-generated content -- as your own without proper attribution

The key principle across all individual assessments: discussion is acceptable, but the work you submit must reflect your own independent effort and understanding. If you are unsure whether a specific form of collaboration is permitted for an assignment, check with your course instructor before proceeding.

Group Assignments

Some assignments are designed for group work and will specify this in the assessment instructions. Collaboration is expected and appropriate for these assignments. Always refer to your course rubric to confirm whether an assignment is individual or group-based.

Consequences of Violations

Learners found in violation of the Academic Honesty Policy may face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Violations are reviewed by the University Review Committee (URC), and learners are notified in writing and given the opportunity to respond to any allegations.

Academic honesty standards also apply to alumni. Violations discovered after graduation may result in a permanent transcript hold or revocation of the degree.

Questions or Uncertainty?

If you are ever unsure whether your approach to an assignment complies with Nexford's honesty standards, reach out to your course instructor or Success Advisor before submitting. It is always better to ask in advance.

• Book an Advising Session
• Email: success@nexford.edu